What is the Freshmen Entry Pathway Program (FEP)?

The Freshman Entry Pathway is a program that alters the admission practices of the School of Nursing to permit selective, highly qualified high school seniors to apply directly to the Nursing Program at Cleveland State University. Accepted students take the same courses and follow the same curriculum plan as our current nursing majors and pre-majors, the difference is that these students will be considered nursing majors (not pre-nursing) while they take their first year, non-nursing courses. Freshmen Entry students will not be required to re-apply to the School of Nursing for entrance into the major for their sophomore year courses. Freshmen Entry students must meet the minimum GPA requirements in all prerequisite courses to retain their status.

The Freshman Entry Program will permit Cleveland State University and the School of Nursing to develop a ‘learning community’ for students by providing outreach, programming and mentoring through the School of Nursing to support these students.

Who Qualifies for the FEP program?

Students in their senior year of high school are eligible to apply if they have met the following criteria:

1. Minimum of 3.0 GPA in high school, with grades of B or better in both biology and chemistry.
2. Thirteen core units of college preparatory classes, including biology with lab, chemistry with lab.
3. Two School of Nursing Freshman-entry reference forms completed by a high-school counselor, teacher or coach (in application packet).
4. Scores of 21 or above on ACT; 1050 (1600 scale) or above on SAT or 1550 or above on SAT (2400 scale).
5. Application to Cleveland State University
6. Application to the School of Nursing by November 15

Why the FEP program?

This program is a wonderful opportunity for high school seniors who are serious about a career in nursing. Admitted students will benefit from being able to participate collectively in School of Nursing activities including: community outreach programs, participation in the Student Nurse Association, attendance at the School of Nursing Convocations each semester, and attendance at all School of Nursing activities. Students will have an Advisor from the School of Nursing assigned to help with class scheduling and answer questions regarding the program.

How will I complete the nursing prerequisites in one year?

The following schedule outlines approximately the course schedule for FEP students for their freshmen year. If the prerequisites are not completed within one year, students will lose their guaranteed seat and must reapply for to the School of Nursing when completed.

Fall:
Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BIO 266/267)
Chemistry 1 (CHM 251/256)
English 1 (ENG 101)
Introduction to University Life (ASC 101)


Spring:
Anatomy and Physiology 2 (BIO 268/269)
Chemistry 2 (CHM 252/257)
English 2 (ENG 102)
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101)

Summer:
Microbiology (BIO 264/265)
College Math (MTH 116)
Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point

Progression into the nursing major will require an overall GPA of 2.75 or above and grades of C or better in all prerequisite courses.